The Noobs Guide To Yellowstone

So you’ve heard of Yellowstone and are thinking about going? The purpose of this guide is to inform you and even persuade you that a trip to Yellowstone is well worth your time. It is worth it as a place to explore, learn, and expand your understanding of the world. As of writing this, I’m back from a recent trip to Yellowstone.

What Is it?

Yellowstone is a National Park located primarily in northwestern Wyoming. That means the ‘Government’ owns it and maintains it. Beyond that, I’d say Yellowstone is like a giant amusement park with animals and geological/geothermal attractions instead of rides. And by geological/geothermal, I mean geysers and steam vents – stuff that comes from volcanoes because Yellowstone itself is sitting on a giant volcano! But don’t let that scare you, it’s probably not going to erupt anytime soon :) It is about 63 miles in length and 3,468 square miles overall. That means it is bigger than Delaware by itself and also bigger than Rhode Island by itself.

How Should I Get There?

I can tell you how I got there. I hopped in my car (a 2009 Honda Fit) with my wife and kids (and all our supplies) and drove there. I’m fortunate to live reasonably close just south of Salt Lake City, Utah! However, some of you may choose to fly if you live a ways away. This is where I defer to the knowledge of those who have spent their time solving this problem. One website I found that will help you find where to fly is: Yellowstone Park Net. Or if you want more options than that, just click my search and find the website that best helps you to fly there.

This seems to be a good resource to plan your trip. You can also get driving directions to Yellowstone here.

What Should I Take There?

I’m going to assume you already know you need to bring yourself, your clothing, and plenty of food to eat. That is unless you are wealthy and can afford to dine every meal. But if you are like the rest of us mortals, you’ll want to bring your own food. And even then, it depends on if you are going with you or just your family, or a much larger group. I went with a large group and we divided up breakfasts and dinners. If you are camping without a motor home or tent trailer, then a standard tent, warm blankets, and a heater are essential.

If you are going to be sight seeing, you’ll want to bring binoculaurs or a scope to see far into the distance. When you are driving along the roads of Yellowstone, often times the animals are far into the distance. You’ll see people on the sides of the road watching them in their scopes. Usually you can tell if a bear or wolf is in the distance if there are many people parked off the side of the road. There are many ‘pull outs’ along the sides of the road that allow people to park and not interfere with traffic.

For a return trip, I’d bring a remote controlled helicopter with a video camera to film areas of the park (like rocks beyond cliffs and bears that I couldn’t get close to). But that’s because I’m partially insane. I don’t even know if it’s legal to try such a thing. Here’s a video of a device that fits the description of what I would use to fly around and film. It’s pretty awesome. Sam, the Samurai, if you are reading this, there’s a challenge for you. Get a remote controlled helicopter with a video camera and take some shots :)

Here’s another one of a guy from Australia flying his remote controlled helicopter around some parks and cities there.

How Should I Stay There?

Just decide if you are going to camp or stay in a hotel/motel. We personally camped at the Canyon Village Campground (because it was pretty close to the middle of Yellowstone), but there are quite a few other places to camp depending on where you want to go.

What Will I Find There?

Animals, stores, and many geological and geothermal sights! I’ve made a list of what we saw, but if you use the map and explore, I’m sure there will be something beyond what I saw that will catch your interest.

• Old Faithful Geyser (was ok, but I was expecting more to be honest)
• Hot Springs
• Bears
• Elk
• Wolves
• Bison
• Mountain Goats
• Trees
• Rock Formations

Why You Should Go

To see more of the world and experience nature and earthly activity in a way that normally is not done. Seriously, there is no feeling like being out in the wild with nature as it was before humans decided to muck with it. I felt a peace and calm while being there and I know I’m going back again someday.

Some Rules To Follow While There

• Don’t attack/kill any animals of any kind anywhere – mandatory law.
• Don’t leave food/smelly items outside of vehicles/trailers at night – mandatory law.
• Stay warm at night if you are in a tent.
• Have fun!